The outstanding food and wine should be enough to entice you to WA's Margaret River region. But if you still need persuading, try massive surf, great ocean and river fishing, and bush and coastal walks.

With so many waterways and situated just three hours south of Perth, Margaret River is a fisherman's dream. Bream, herring and yellow fin whiting are up for grabs if you're fishing from a boat, jetty or the riverbank, and there's great beach fishing all along the coast.

Don't forget your board if you're a surfer - the waves are a major attraction here, and the region even hosts a world-class surfing event, the Salomon Masters Margaret River Classic, every year.

At the northern end of the region, the small surfie town of Yallingup offers great waves and a relaxed vibe. You can admire work of local producers and artists - there are many craft galleries, artists' studios and specialist shops for you to lose yourself in.

But of course the area is renowned for its wine and food. Margaret River produces more than 15 per cent of Australia's premium wine, and acclaimed chefs are drawn to the area by its high quality fresh local produce. After an action-packed morning, spend the afternoon winery-hopping around Margaret River, end the day with a delicious meal and a stay in a boutique guesthouse. The area boasts excellent local fare such as exquisite cheese products, olive groves, fruits and seafood - all of which naturally finds its way onto the menus of the region's restaurants.

It's a 40-minute drive to Dunsborough, the northernmost part of the Cape region. Soak up the stillness of this peaceful spot surrounded by national park - you'll love the spectacular views across sheltered Geographe Bay. Take some time to drive around the town or explore its scenic walks, and stop for a gourmet lunch at a local winery restaurant.

Further along the bay you'll reach Cape Naturaliste, which is the ideal vantage point for watching whales swim past as they migrate around the coastline of Australia. Climb the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for a bird's eye view or discover the local history by visiting the maritime museum. Dive the newly scuttled HMAS Swan, Western Australia's newest wreck dive which is also visible to snorkellers from above the ocean surface. To see some native fauna, stop in at Bannamah Wildlife Park at the top end of Caves Road.

If you're not a surfer, you'll have the opportunity to explore gentler waters at nearby Meelup, Eagle Bay and Bunker Bay. Meelup Beach in particular is good for families as it has very clean sand and grassy barbecue areas under leafy gum trees that are perfect for picnics. Take a coastal walk trail that winds through Meelup Park and if you visit the beach on a summer evening, you may even be able to see the full moon rising over the Indian Ocean.

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• Nearest City:Perth
• Distance to Perth:277km
• Nearest Airport:Perth
• Distance to Perth Airport:277km

Local Attractions in the Area

• Margaret River Food and Wine Itinerary
• Surfing Margaret River
• South West Beaches
• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
• Meelup Beach
• Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park

Helpful Links for the Area

• Australia's South West
• Margaret River
• Margaret River Wine Region
• Food and Entertainment Margaret River
• Wineries & Breweries

Seasonal Events

• Margaret River Wine Region Festival
• Margaret River Pro
• Whale Migration
• 21st Annual Australian Longboard Championships
• Margaret River Agricultural Show